Homestudy and Life...

So, mark the date, May 4...we had the final meeting for our homestudy. We finished all paperwork and jumped through the final hoop to make our profile complete. We now enter a time of waiting. In the state of North Carolina, this is a 50 day waiting period for licensing. At the end of this waiting period we will be licensed foster parents, with a focus on adoption. We have had many discussions in our family as we have been walking through this journey. One day in particular Hunter was playing when he looked up at us and with an exasperated look said, "How much longer do I have to wait for my brother or sister to come home?" Chris and I both laughed and explained to Hunter what the timeline could entail. I love his enthusiasm and how encouraging he has been during this season. Through him I have learned to keep my focus on what God has planned for our life, and the expectant joy of loving on our future kid(s).

In April, Chris ran his first 5K and did awesome! I was so proud, because he didn't really train; he just woke up that morning and went to run. Hunter and I participated in the 1 mile family fun run. Needless to say, Hunter did not need my help. I anticipated having to encourage him the entire way to keep running. Once he was a block and a half ahead of me, I realized my help was not needed. And for those who might be keeping score, I never caught up with him. My kid is fast (and I am pretty slow, but I have a couple of good excuses)! Hunter's favorite thing to do right now is visit our local amusement park. We got a really good deal on season tickets, so we have been several times. He is anxious to go on the "REALLY big roller coasters" by the end of the summer. We will see how fast he grows...hopefully not too fast. Hunter has also started playing soccer on a team from school. At first he wasn't really excited, but as the weeks go on he is really liking it. Maybe he has his Grandpa's talent.

Since both our families were unable to join us for Easter, we spent Easter with Collin's Family. Collin is Hunter's best friend from school. There family is from a local town nearby, so we just joined in their family festivities and loved the time we shared with them. Hunter spent the day with Collin romping through the backyard. They even found a pet turtle. Hunter said it was the best day ever!

Chris finished finals at the beginning of this week and is preparing to leave on a study abroad trip next week. He will be in Europe over the next several weeks. We are all looking forward to summer break and visits to family and vacation.
We have been looking for a home and have decided to put that process on hold for a bit. While living in a townhome it temporary, it does have some benefits. I think the biggest lesson I have learned during this season is one of contentment; contentment for where God has me. To be honest, I thought I had mastered this lesson after our first year in Germany, but yet I find myself experiencing this lesson in a whole other way 5 years later. I "hear" God asking me questions about my heart and my motives and how much control will I give him. I am reminded of "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled". I like what He is working to produce in me and how it translates into how I am serving my family and those around me.